Vernon Kay targets Bruce Forsyth’s Strictly Come Dancing spot

Vernon Kay wants to spend more time on TV with wife Tess Daly (Picture: Richard Young / Rex Features)

The 36-year-old TV presenter is reportedly reluctant to sign a new deal with ITV1’s All-Star Family Fortunes amid rumours Bruce, 82, could be on the verge of quitting.

An insider explained: ‘Vernon is desperate to get the ‘Strictly’ job – and the BBC are very keen on him taking it.’

Bruce has already cut down his hours on the celebrity dancing series, handing over the reins on the Sunday night results show to Claudia Winkleman , who also presents Strictly’s weekday spin-off It Takes Two.

The source added to The Sun newspaper: ‘Bruce is his idol but everyone knows he may be off soon. Producers keep expecting the call from him any day to say he’s had enough.

‘So Vern turned down another exclusive deal from ITV as that would have taken him out of the game if Brucie retires. He’ll still do Family Fortunes but they’ll just pay him a fee for every show he does.’